§ 10-264. Standards.

The following standards shall apply to the reclamation and rehabilitation of land subjected to mining as regulated by this article:

(1)

All stumps, boulders, and other debris resulting from the excavation or related activities shall be removed from the site and disposed of by approved methods. Under exceptional circumstances, such debris may be disposed of on the site if covered with a minimum of two feet of soil.

(2)

All banks shall be left in accordance with topography established in reclamation plans, with no slopes greater than two feet horizontal to one foot vertical. If water is to be left in the pit in areas below the water table, the slope can be greater than 2:1.

(3)

When topsoil is removed, sufficient arable soil shall be set aside on the site for respreading over the excavated area. These overburden stockpiles shall be used to minimize the effects of erosion of wind or water upon public roads, streams, or adjacent land uses and shall not be sold or removed from the property.

(4)

Reclamation shall proceed in such a way that natural and storm drainage, where it enters and leaves the premises, shall be altered only to the least degree necessary to carry out excavation and related activities. Any alteration of natural and storm drainage shall not adversely affect public roads or neighboring uses.

(5)

After the area is cleared of debris, it shall be covered with a layer of topsoil to a depth of at least six inches, except for area underwater. If the pit is to be used as a basin for spreading water, the topsoil shall not be replaced because it would deter the spreading of the water.

(6)

Establish on the regraded areas, and all other lands affected, a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative cover of the same seasonal variety native to the area of land to be affected and capable of self-regeneration and plant succession at least equal in extent of cover to the natural vegetation of the area; except, that introduced species may be used in the vegetation process where desirable and necessary to achieve the approved postmining land use plan.

(7)

In the event filling of the mined area is necessary during reclamation, such fill material shall be nonorganic only.

(8)

If on-site mining or procession operations are not continuously carried out for a period of one year at any location, the same will be considered to have been abandoned and prior to any further excavation or processing, a new use permit under the current ordinance will be required.

(9)

If mining has ceased for a period of 12 months, the planning commission shall hold a hearing to determine with the township board the future disposition of the site and the source of liability for expenses incurred for restoration of the site.

(Comp. Ords. 1985, § 25.457(D))